GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC)

With a focus on rebuilding their side for the future, West Indies will seek to open their series against a similarly inexperienced Pakistan in their lone Twenty20 International at the Beausejour Cricket Ground today.

The hosts, like their guests, are missing key senior players for the 2 p.m. fixture, and the new players drafted will be anxious to make an impression and set the tone of the series that includes five one-day internationals and two Tests.

West Indies are without talismanic opener Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shiv Chanderpaul, leaving the regional side without their most experienced players.

Captain Darren Sammy, however, remained upbeat the Windies could launch the series on a positive note.

"The squad is a well-balanced one, full of youngsters who are eager and hungry to go out there and represent the West Indies," the all-rounder told a media conference yesterday.

"So, what you will see is youngsters going out there with an opportunity to showcase what they have and make a statement.

pride and passion

"That's what you are going to see out there, energy and players playing for West Indies with heart and pride and passion. We are looking forward to this season, and we will put our best foot forward."

West Indies are coming off a lacklustre World Cup campaign where they made it to the quarter-finals before being crushed by Pakistan.

It prompted selectors to make sweeping changes, and Sammy stressed it was important that the regional side turned around their fortunes swiftly.

"We have not been doing well of late. If we play to our ability, we should do well," Sammy pointed out. "It is important to start the series in St Lucia on a good note and move up."

The match marks the return of batsman Marlon Samuels following a two-year ban from international cricket for inappropriate ties to an Indian bookmaker, and much will be expected of him, especially on the heels of his heavy scoring in the Regional First-Class Championship.

He will be joined by the stylish stroke-maker Darren Bravo, and flashy right-hander Lendl Simmons, who has been recalled after over a year in the wilderness.

They will combine with exciting all-rounder André Russell and wily leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo in the new-look squad that boasts four new caps.

"With the World Cup behind us, we're rebuilding now and we're looking forward to what is ahead in the future," Sammy said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said he was expecting his young team to entertain the Caribbean cricket fans.